International Firefighters Day 2023: Important building safety measures

Every year, thousands of people lose their lives or get severely injured due to fire accidents. According to Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report 2020, around 11,037 cases of fire accidents were reported in the country throughout 2020. In 2022, there were more than 16,500 fire-related incidents in Delhi alone, leading to 82 deaths and serious injuries in over 700 people. To commemorate the sacrifices and hard work of firefighters worldwide, International Firefighters Day is celebrated on May 4 every year. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and highlights the need to protect ourselves and our communities.

A minor fire outbreak can quickly turn into a massive inferno if appropriate precautions are not taken.  While it’s impossible to predict when a fire might break out, it’s always best to be prepared. Fires can be caused by anything from electrical faults, smoking and gas leaks to cooking accidents and candles. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a fire safety plan in place. So, this international Firefighters Day 2023, let’s learn more about what can be done to prevent such accidents from occurring.

 

Important fire safety measures in residential and commercial buildings

Here are some essential fire safety measures that you can take to protect your buildings.

Instal smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are the first line of defence against a fire outbreak. They detect smoke and alert you to the possibility of a fire outbreak. It’s essential to install smoke detectors in every room in your building, including the basement and attic. Smoke detectors should be tested every month and replaced every ten years.

 

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Keep fire extinguishers within reach

Fire extinguishers are essential in case of a small fire outbreak. They can help you put out the fire before it spreads. It’s essential to have fire extinguishers in easily accessible places, such as the kitchen, living room, and hallway.

 

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Keep flammable materials at a distance

Flammable materials such as gasoline, propane and chemicals should be kept away from any residential and commercial buildings. If you must store flammable materials, ensure they are kept in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources.

 

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Create an escape plan

In case of a fire outbreak, it’s essential to have an escape plan. The escape plan should include a designated meeting place and a route to take to safety. Ensure that everyone in the building is aware of the escape plan.

 

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Maintain electrical appliances

Faulty electrical appliances can cause a fire outbreak. It’s essential to ensure that all electrical appliances in your residential or commercial building are well maintained. If you notice any electrical faults, have them repaired immediately.

 

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Instal a fire sprinkler system

A fire sprinkler system is an essential component of fire protection in buildings. It consists of a network of pipes that are installed in the ceiling or walls and contain sprinkler heads that are triggered by heat to release water and suppress a fire. Fire sprinkler systems can greatly reduce the damage caused by fire and save lives.

 

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Conduct regular fire drills

Fire drills are an essential part of fire safety. Conducting regular fire drills helps to ensure that everyone in the building knows what to do in case of a fire outbreak. Fire drills should be conducted at least twice a year.

 

 

Tips for minimising the risk of fire accidents

Some essential tips for reducing the risk of fire hazards include:

• Ensure proper disposal of trash and waste in designated bins, avoiding piles in doorways.

• Use only industrial-grade, grounded extension cords, and avoid permanent use.

• Verify that all power strips are UL-listed and have built-in circuit breakers.

• Keep cigarette butts and containers away from the building and flammable materials.

• Securely store combustible materials and liquids in approved cabinets per NFPA/OSHA regulations.

• Use GFCI protection for electrical appliances and do not leave hot items unattended.

• Do not hang anything from fire sprinkler piping or sprinkler heads.

• Maintain 100% clearance of anything other than fire protection equipment in fire pump rooms/riser rooms.

• Keep all supplies,stock, merchandise at least 3 ft from heating units and ductwork.

• Ensure all fire extinguishers are fully charged, undamaged, readily accessible and none are missing.

see also about: types of circuit breakers

FAQs

What is International Firefighters Day?

International Firefighters Day is a day dedicated to firefighters worldwide, commemorating their sacrifices and hard work.

Why is fire safety essential in residential and commercial buildings?

Fire safety is essential in both residential and commercial buildings as it helps prevent the loss of life and property.

What are some essential fire safety measures for residential and commercial buildings?

Essential fire safety measures for residential and commercial buildings include installing smoke detectors, conducting regular fire drills, creating a evacuation route, etc.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com